INEC extends PVC collection by eight days to Jan 29

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the extension of the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) from Saturday January 22 to Sunday January 29, 2023.

INEC National Commissioner Festus Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday 24 hours after the commission’s meeting with leaders of registered political parties.

Okoye said, “The commission is determined to ensure that registered voters have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the forthcoming elections. For this reason, the timeframe for the collection of PVCs is extended by eight days.

“Instead of ending on Sunday 22nd January 2023, the collection of PVCs will continue until Sunday 29th January 2023. At the moment, the period of collection is 9.00 am – 3.00 pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays).”

said the development signaled “a consequential adjustment of the collection by location as follows:

Collection at the Registration Area (Ward) level is extended by one a week from Monday 16th – Sunday 22nd January 2023.

Collection at the local government level will resume on Monday 23rd – Sunday January 29, 2023.

Okoye said the commission was investigating reports of its officials allegedly extorting Nigerians at the PVC collection centres.

He said, “Those found culpable will face disciplinary action and/or prosecution.

“Similarly, the Commission is disturbed by allegations of discriminatory issuance of PVCs in some locations. This is against the law. All bonafide registrants are entitled to their PVCs and to use them to vote on Election Day in any part of the country where they are registered.

“Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) have been directed to ensure that no such practices occur nationwide and take immediate disciplinary action against violators.”